Old VS. New Skincare Overview

Skincare Overview:

Old:

I found that with my old skincare routine my face had become extremely dry.  I would have to exfoliate my face everyday because it was peeling everyday. The bumps on my cheeks were practically nonexistent. However my forehead had the exact opposite reaction. My forehead has never really been a big problem area for me, but with this routine it had become worse than ever.

New:

When choosing a new skincare line up I wanted to pick products that would be more hydrating. Which is precisely what I did. However overall the new skincare line up was too moisturizing for my skin. I am prone to blackheads around my nose and chin area, and with the new skincare line up these two areas became much worse. In addition my pores began to look much larger. Needless to say neither skincare line up was best for my skin.

New Skincare Line Up

Morning and Night:

Cleanser: Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

In the morning (and at night) I always start with a cleanser. I bought this cleanser at Ulta for $4.99 (without sales tax). It is fragrance-free and oil-free. Overall as a brand I think very highly of Olay. On this shopping trip I was trying to save money (9 times out of 10 I am always trying to save money).  So to see a brand I think very highly of with such a cheap product was fantastic! I really liked this cleanser! It was not too drying for my skin or anything! It even did a great job at removing my makeup and helped to keep my acne at bay. It is “Formulated specifically for the special needs of sensitive skin, this gentle cleanser refreshes and cares for your skin. Rich foamy lather. 100% soap free. 100% Oil-Free. Allergy and dermatologist tested.” (As it reads on the label). The only con I can think of it that when you are dispensing this product you only receive a small amount. So it takes a little force to get more out as well as time. Nonetheless, I would definitely repurchase this product!

Ingredients

WATER, GLYCERIN, SODIUM MYRISTOYL SARCOSINATE, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, SODIUM LAUROAMPHOACETATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, COCAMIDE MEA, LAURETH-10, DISODIUM LAUROAMPHODIACETATE, SODIUM TRIDECETH SULFATE, CITRIC ACID, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, DMDM HYDANTOIN

Toner: Olay Oil-Minimizing Toner

Next I would follow with a toner. This was the very first toner I have used (excluding samples). I purchased this product at Ulta for $4.99 (without sales tax). This toner does contain alcohol and burns when applied to any open pores. I really do not see the need for a toner except to remove excess makeup. When I ran out of the Olay Foaming Face Wash I had to use a more basic cleanser that did not remove all of my makeup. So I would use the toner to remove that excess makeup. I am not saying this is a bad product or anything; I just do not see the purpose for using a toner.

Ingredients

WATER, SD ALCOHOL 40, WITCH HAZEL EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, ALLANTOIN, MENTHYL LACTATE, FRAGRANCE, BLUE 1, YELLOW 5

Acne Treatment: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Clear Skin Cream

After the toner I would follow with this Anti-Wrinkle/Anti-Blemish cream. I bought this cream at Ulta for $11.89 (without sales tax). This cream is a Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment AND a Retinol Facial Treatment in one. I first read great reviews about this product on Fuzkittie’s old blog last year. I don’t know why I waited so long before deciding to purchase this product! It works brilliantly! This product really kept my acne at bay! All you need is a small dab! I did not see any results with the Retinol Treatment, but most of my anti-wrinkle needs are prevention. “Clinically proven, within two weeks, to provide: Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Clearer skin, More even skin tone, and Softer and smoother skin.”

Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid (2%)

Inactive ingredients: water, PEG-32, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol, retinol, erythorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, retinyl palmitate, tocopherol, panthenol, allantoin, steareth-21, coco-glucoside, steareth-2, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, BHT, disodium EDTA, ammonium hydroxide, polysorbate 20, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, fragrance

Moisturizer: Clean & Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer

Lastly I would follow with a moisturizer. I purchased this moisturizer from Ulta for $5.99 (without sales tax). *I know I shop mostly at Ulta*. “This oil-free moisturizer is formulated with Vitamin C to regenerate and rejuvenate skin cells. Hypoallergenic. Won’t clog pores.” It has SPF 15. I did not like this moisturizer. It felt like an exfoliation cream; which I particularly did not like when applying makeup.   

Ingredients:
Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, BenzalkoniumCHloride, Benzyl Alcohol, BHT, Butylparaben, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, C 13-14 Isoparaffin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Grapefruit Extract, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ethylparaben, Fragrance, Glycerin, Soybean Seed Extract, Isobutylparaben, Laureth-7 Methyl Lactate, Methylparaben, Mica, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panthenol, Peg-4 Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyacrylamide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Propylparaben, Silica, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Titanium Dioxide, Water, Ginger Root Extract.

Sorry I Disappeared :-(

Hi Everyone!




It has been a long time. I know most of you are still waiting on the second part of Old Skincare Line Up vs. New. I am sorry to keep you guys waiting for so long; it should be up soon. I have been swamped with work lately. Although I have an idea and would like to know what you guys think. I am contemplating having three blogs. Ambrosia would be a random blog (similar to a vlog or journal). Then my second blog would be about Makeup, Skincare, and Fashion. Lastly my third blog would be about health (cooking, diet, exercise, etc). I would love to know everyone’s comments on this! See you later! :-)



Also a few weeks ago I posted my very first video on YouTube. Check it out here: LaylaLaVae21

Old Skincare Part 1 (Continued)

Old Skincare Line UP:

Morning:

Cleanser: St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser

Other Cleanser: Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash

Then I would follow with Neaclear Liquid Oxygen Blackhead Astringent. “Neaclear was developed by a Plastic Surgeon using new oxygen technology for clearer, more natural-looking skin.” The bottle states that this product is fragrance free; however, I think it smells like mint rubbing alcohol. This product was too strong for my skin. When I would apply it on my cheeks my eyes would always water. Also if I had an open pore on my face when applying this product it would burn like rubbing alcohol (OUCH). I would say this product is basically rubbing alcohol in a bottle. Since the product was too incredibly strong and drying for my skin I stopped using it. I bought this product at Ulta for $9.99 (without sales tax).

Photo From: http://www.dailynutritionsupplements.com/product/26/2300/Neaclear-Liquid-Oxygen-Blackhead-Astringent-6oz.html


Ingredients:


Oxygenated Purified Water, SDA 40, Witch Hazel Extract, Extracts of Green Tea, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Neem, Polysorbate 80, Glycerin, DL Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Menthol Crystals, Menthyl Lactate, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Dimethicone Copolyol, Mucopolysaccharides, Polypeptides, MSN, Vitamins A & D, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Wheat Protein, Collagen, Sorbitol, Rose Water, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrogen Peroxide.



Next Follow with Scar Zone Acne all-in-one medicated cream. It is suppose to treat acne and reduce scars. I used this as an on spot acne and scar treatment. I did not see any noticeable results with my acne. Nor did I see any improvement with my scars. I used this until the tube was empty (in order to give the product enough time to do what it promised). I still did not see any improvement with my acne or my acne scars. I bought this at Ulta for $6.99 (without sales tax)

Active Ingredients:


Salicylic Acid USP 2%.


Inactive Ingredients:


PURIFIED WATER, ISOHEXADECANE, DIMETHICONE, POLYACRYLAMIDE (AND) C13-14



Lastly I would moisturize with Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Cream with vitamin E and aloe-Sensitive Skin (Classic Gentle Formula) with SPF 15. This product was the first moisturizer I ever tried. Typically I only use a moisturizer in the winter but since my face now has a few dry spots I continued using the moisturizer. Also after researching ways to improve Acne-Prone skin I learned that every skin type needs moisturizer. Sorry I am getting off topic… This is my favorite moisturizer so far! I have used probably 5 to 6 moisturizers and I am in love with this one! It is fragrance free and very buildable. It is light, gentle, and does not make my face feel oily! I bought this at target for $6.47 (without sales tax).

Ingredients:


5.0% OCTISALATE, 3.0% AVOBENZONE, 3.0% HOMOSALATE, 2.6% OCTOCRYLENE. ALSO CONTAINS: WATER, GLYCERIN, POLYETHYLENE, DIMETHICONE, NIACINAMIDE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, PANTHENOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ISOHEXADECANE, POLYSORBATE 60, DIMETHICONOL, PEG-4 LAURATE, PEG-4 DILAURATE, IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE, PEG-4, STEARIC ACID, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, ASCORBIC ACID, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, STEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, METHYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, DISODIUM EDTA, PEG-100 STEARATE.


Night:


Same Cleansers as Morning


Then follow with Neaclear Liquid Oxygen Blackhead Astringent.

I would then follow with an on spot acne treatment. The on spot product I used was the AcneFree Terminator. I bought this at Ulta for $5.99 (without sales tax). This product is typically used with the three-step skincare routine by AcneFree and has been compared to Proactive. I cannot confirm or deny if it has the same quality as Proactive since I have only used the AcneFree Terminator. Although I can say is the best on spot acne treatment I have ever used. It is really effective for those extremely large pimples! It is even printed on the box “Overnight Results”. I found this to be 100% true! When I would apply this to a pimple at night it would be almost nonexistent the following morning! I would say that this is specifically for those who have combination to oily skin. If you have sensitive or dry skin I would not recommend using this. This product is very strong and can be harsh on the skin. I applied this product to a pimple I had in-between my eyebrows (and I had recently tweezed). It felt as though I had applied rubbing alcohol to an open wound! OUCH! Also it would make the surrounding areas peel so I had to stop using it.

Ingredients:






Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide (2.0%) (Acne Medication) Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), SD Alcohol 39-C, Methylpropanediol, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Lactic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triclosan, Tetrasodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol



Lastly I would follow with a moisturizer. I found Nivea Natural Beauty Beautifying Moisturizer at Ross for $3.99 (without Sales Tax) and decided to try it. ‘Nivea Natural Beauty Beautifying Moisturizer promises an instantly natural, radiant and even complexion without any make-up. It offers a shimmering effect and smoothes out any irregularities. The formula contains Mango Milk and Cashmere Proteins, providing long-lasting moisture and softness. Enriched with Nivea Visage UVA/UVB filter system, this cream protects the skin from excessive sunlight and prevents the signs of premature aging and drying out.” I did see anything on the packaging stating that it had a UVA/UVB filter system. Since it did not say that it had sun protection I decided to use it at night. I really do NOT like this moisturizer. Then scent is unbelievably overpowering! It smells similar to your average grandmother’s perfume! It would give a pink sheen to my face; which I particularly did not like. The morning after I would apply this moisturizer, it looked as though my face was peeling. When in actuality it was the product peeling off. This confused me. Why would a moisturizer peel? I did use this once during the day (I was out of my daytime moisturizer and was desperate). When applied with my foundation it did give my skin a nice glow; however, the glow was not worth it! This product was layered underneath my sunscreen, concealer, foundation, and powder. The scent of this product is so overpowering that I could smell it over everything else! The scent was even stronger than my perfume! I only used this moisturizer about three times, but those three times were enough to convince me to stop using this product!

Ingredients:


Aqua, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Phenylbenzimidazole, Sulfonic Acid, Sucrose Polystearate, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone,Methylpropanediol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Mica, Sine, Adipe Lac, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Mangifera Indica Fruit Juice, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Trideceth-9, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethiconol, Propylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Chondrus Crispus, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Citric Acid, Sodium Carbomer, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Citronellol, Parfum, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 75470



Since I could not bear the smell of the Nivea Moisturizer I switched to another night moisturizer. Neaclear Liquid Oxygen Anti-Acne Facial Moisturizer is ‘gentle and oil-free, quickly and easily absorbed, non-comedogenic, and non-greasy.’ It is fragrance free. I used this product as a night moisturizer because I did not see any details on the product stating that it had sun protection. This moisturizer does not layer well at all. I tried to use it as a morning moisturizer and my foundation would clump when I applied it. Also this moisturizer is really thick! Since I have combination skin the thickness makes my face feel oily. Plus since it is so thick, you only need a small amount of this product to cover your entire face. I would say that this is a good ‘healing’ moisturizer. What I mean by this is it is very good at healing scabs or a recovering bump. The bottle states that this product is quickly and easily absorbed; however, I have to disagree. Whenever I would apply this product to my face it would take a VERY long time to absorb. This moisturizer was so thick it felt like I had applied a mask or a shield to my face. It would not absorb anything else nor would it allow anything else to be layered with it. I bought this at Ulta for $9.99 (without sales tax).

Photo From: http://lastheplace.com/2006/09/25/turn-back-the-clock-our-picks-for-the-top-anti-aging-products-of-2006/


Ingredients:


Oxygenated Purified Water, Extract of Aloe, Witch Hazel, Sage and Neem, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerol Sterate, Steryl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Tetrasodium EDTA, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Symethicone, Cyclomethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrogen Peroxide.

Old Skincare Part 1

Hello to Everyone! I apologize for taking so long to post this! I have been preoccupied with work as well as life/career decisions (I may explain more about this in another post). I have been contemplating the best way to compare my Old Makeup and Skincare line up to my New. I think the best way to do this would be to break it into sections. Part one (This post) will be about skincare. Part two will be about makeup. I know this is short but I thought that I needed to at least post SOMETHING! This is a review of my Old Skincare Line Up (and don’t worry it will be continued in the next post). Let’s start!




Old Skincare Line UP:



Morning:

Cleansers:

When I used my old line up I would take my showers in the morning. While I was in the shower I would cleanse my face with St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser. It clears breakouts and redness with 100% natural green tea. It is Hypo-allergenic, oil free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist tested. It contains 2% Salicylic Acid; which typically clears up my breakouts. I love the scent of this cleanser! To me it smells like an earthy clean scent (If that makes sense). It maintains my skin very well. When using this I still have a few bumps here and there but nothing too severe. A fellow blogger (she doesn’t update her blogspot anymore) and youtuber recomended this cleanser last year. The Youtuber I am talking about is Fuzkittie. Here is her youtube link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/fuzkittie?blend=1&ob=4

So I decided to try it! I bought this at Walgreens for $5.99 (without sales tax). I had used it for a while but still wanted to find something that would also prevent those few bumps here and there.

Sorry the bottle is empty!



Active Ingredients
Salicylic Acid - 2 %Acne Treatment


Inactive Ingredients

Water , Sodium Laureth Sulfate , Glycerin , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Propylene Glycol , Salicylic Acid , Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate , Hydroxyethyl Urea , Fragrance , Sodium Hydroxide , Methyl Lactate , PEG-150 Distearate , Disodium EDTA , Phenethyl Alcohol , Limonene , PPG-2 Methyl Ether , Linalool , Epilobium Angustifolium Extract , Olea Europaea Leaf Extract (Olive) , Ascophyllum Nodasum Extract , Alteromonas Ferment Extract , Methylisothiazolinone , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract , Yeast Extract (Faex, Extrait de Levure) , Green 5 (CI 61570) , Yellow 5 (CI 19140) , Red 4 (CI 14700) , Red 33 (CI 17200) , Blue 1 (CI 42090)



So then i tried another cleanser, Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash. I purchased this at Ulta at $4.99. It is 100% oil- and soap-free. It is also Enriched with gentle botanicals such as mint, lemongrass, and soothing aloe. I really did not like the scent of this cleanser (The scent would make me fell nausaus from time to time). I did not see any improvements with my acne. When using this product I think my acne actually worsened. It also dried out my skin. Needless to say I stopped using it.

Ingredients:


Triple Purified Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, PEG-8, Glyceryl Laurate, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Dimethicone Copolyol, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Lavender Extract, Lemongrass Extract, Rosemary Extract, Spearmint Extract, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile, Fragrance

More Shopping at Ross!

My apologies to everyone, but the New Line Up vs. Old Line Up post is taking longer than I thought. So until it is finished I decided to share a recent shopping trip at Ross. I needed a new pair of flats since the weather is warming up. I purchased a pair of black flats for work. Also I purchased a pair of turquoise sandals for casual summer wear.

The black flats were $12.99 (Without sales tax).

 

The sandals were $4.99 (Without sales tax).

New Line Up VS. Old!

Old:

NEW:

More details will be in the next post.

Warning: Next Post maybe too long for some readers.

=D

New Handbag!

Yesterday I went to Ross and bought a XOXO bag! I really like it! Although my first choice was this hot pink Juicy Couture bag. The Juicy Couture bag was a little too expensive for me though. Hence why I instead purchased my second choice the XOXO bag. This is what the Juicy Couture bag looked like.

Photo from: http://www.discount-juicy-couture.com/2011-juicy-couture-handbag022-p-559.html



This is the XOXO bag.

Interior

 

Also sorry I have not uploaded any Youtube videos yet. I am having a slight problem with the music. The program I used to create the song was MusicShake. It will not allow me to save the file to my computer. Maybe I will be able to figure something out.